In response to Steven, I was talking more of today's situation, meaning now. Trek didn't build a TT bike in '99, now they do. Boardman, who was loyal to Dolan, is retired. Tonkov rides for a less-than-major team, on a less-than-major bike/sponsor.
Do you think that Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, or now Piniarello or Colnago are going to let any word get out that Lance or Cipo or whomever is riding less than anything they built? Watch the lawsuits fly. It'll get even more standardized as the costs to run a team keep escalating.
Now, more than ever, it's time for a cheap advertising plug: want a frame with soul? Call Richie or Brian!
Charlie Shafer
in Madison, end-of-thread, Ct.